Vest assembly

ABSTRACT

A vest assembly is provided for use by a wearer. The vest assembly comprises a vest body, a plurality of communication components disposed within the vest body, an antenna disposed within, or otherwise connected to the vest body, a rechargeable power supply, and a thermoelectric transducer assembly for converting body thermal energy into electrical energy to recharge the power supply and/or power the communication components. The antenna is in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of communication components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/653,280, filed Oct. 16, 2012, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a protective vest, and more particularly, to a vest assembly having a communication system and a user powered recharging system integrated therein.

It is well known that individuals participating in high risk activities may employ the use of protective clothing to mitigate injury. For instance, police officers and soldiers may wear bulletproof vests, firefighters and oil rig operators may wear fireproof vests, and people working in extremely cold environments may wear clothing to protect them from the extreme temperatures. Furthermore, because of the risk of injury associated with such high risk activities, it may be desirable to maintain communication with those individuals in order to know their condition, location or status of completing a project. For example, it may be useful to communicate with a soldier patrolling a hostile environment or a fire fighter located in a burning building.

Communication with individuals located in such extreme conditions is frequently by way of handheld walkie-talkies or telephones carried by the user while performing their activity. However, the individual may lose or damage the communication device in the course of conducting the high risk activity. Furthermore, individuals are oftentimes required to carry other tools or self-defense items, thereby making it very difficult to carry and use the communication device.

Communications systems used by troops deployed in the field may vary dependent upon the unit involved and other factors. In some cases, the individual soldiers may each be provided with a short range communication unit that allows communication between the soldiers in a unit. In many cases individual soldiers may not have local communication devices, but instead rely upon line of eye sight communications, hand signals, etc. to communicate between the soldiers in the same unit. One or two of the soldiers may carry a long range communication device, such as back pack radios, which allows for longer range communication with headquarters and other assets, such as air support, artillery support, etc. Such long range communication devices may provide the only means of communication between the unit and command/support assets.

However, walkie-talkies or back pack radios typically utilizes antennas extending well above the height of the soldier, which may allow a potential enemy to distinguish a radio operator from other soldiers. Enemy combatants have been reported to target radio operators, by visually sighting the antenna, and concentrating fire on that soldier in order to impair communications between a group of soldiers and/or other resources, e.g. air support, artillery support, or other support resources. As such, the use of an extended antenna to facilitate radio communication with soldiers in conflict may not only endanger the soldier(s) carrying the antenna, but may also endanger the survival of the entire unit.

Moreover, communication devices also require a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, to operate. The rechargeable battery allows individuals such as police officers, firefighters, and soldiers to recharge the power source, typically upon returning back to their respective base or station. However, such individuals frequently are in the field for long periods of time thereby making it difficult to recharge the battery when needed. Accordingly, the communication device may lose power at critical times.

It is also known to use renewable energy sources to recharge the battery when traditional energy sources are unavailable. However, renewable energy sources are less efficient than traditional energy sources, and may require the user to suspend other activities, if possible, to deploy power collectors, such as solar energy collector.

As is apparent of the foregoing, there exists a need for a portable communication system having an antenna which cooperates with a communication device(s) to facilitate long range communication, without the antenna extending beyond the height of the user carrying the communications unit.

It is also preferable if the antenna could be integrated into the users protective clothing, so that the user may have fewer separate articles to carry or secure during operations.

It is also preferable if the power supply for the communication devices could be rechargeable in a simple and convenient manner that permits continued activity by the user during recharging.

The present invention addresses these and other needs, as will be described in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A vest assembly is provided for use. The vest assembly comprises a vest body, a plurality of communication components, an antenna, a rechargeable power supply and a thermoelectric transducer assembly for converting body thermal energy into electrical energy for recharging the battery or powering the communication components disposed within or coupled to the vest body.

The antenna may be disposed within the vest body, or otherwise connected to the vest body.

In one embodiment the thermoelectric transducer assembly includes at least one thermoelectric transducer disposed in or on the vest body. The thermoelectric transducer(s) may be interwoven throughout the vest body.

The vest assembly may include an inner garment worn adjacent the wearer, with at least a portion of the thermoelectric transducer assembly being disposed within or on the inner garment. The thermoelectric transducer assembly, or a portion thereof, may be detachably connectable to the power supply, e.g., plug connectable.

The thermoelectric transducer assembly may comprise one or more thermo-responsive pads disposed on a body portion of the wearer, or in thermal transfer relation with a body portion of the wearer, e.g., disposed on the vest body or the inner garment. The thermo-responsive pad may be operative to generate a power supply recharging signal in response to the wearer's body heat, so as to charge the power supply and/or to power the communication components.

The thermoelectric transducer assembly may further include a voltage regulating circuit operative to receive and condition the transducer assembly output signal to power levels suitable to recharge the power supply, or power communication components.

The communication components may include a receiver operative to receive an input signal from a remote transceiver, a decryption device operative to decrypt the input signal, a speaker operative to broadcast a decrypted audio input signal and/or a display operative to display a decrypted text input signal.

The communication components may further include a physiological sensor operatively linked to the wearer, for generating a physiological sensor output signal independent of a manual input by the wearer.

A pressure senor may be disposed in or otherwise connected to the vest, for detecting pressure applied to the vest, e.g., as the result of a gunshot, and generating a responsive output signal independent of any input by the wearer.

A global positioning system (GPS) device may also be disposed in or connected to the vest, operative to generate a GPS output signal indicating the location of the wearer, independent of wearer input. A keypad and microphone may also be provided to output signals generated by the wearer of the vest assembly.

In one embodiment the communication components further include an encryption device, operative to receive and encrypt signals from at least one of the physiological sensor, the GPS, the keypad and the microphone.

The vest assembly may further include an output circuit disposed within the vest, operative to communicate the encrypted output signal to a remote transceiver. The remote transceiver may be the same as the transceiver inputting signal into the vest assembly, or may be a separate remote transceiver.

The vest assembly may be in wireless communication with a remote transceiver(s) that provides input to the vest assembly, and/or receives outputs from the vest assembly.

The vest assembly may include a flex circuitry formed as a plurality of conductive paths disposed on a flexible substrate. The flex circuitry may be used to connect the various power and communication components, allowing for bending or other displacement of the electrical connections in response to movement of the wearer or other conditions. The flex circuitry thereby mitigates limitations on the motion of the wearer as she/he is performing various tasks and enhances reliability of the various communications, monitoring and recharging systems.

In various embodiments the vest may be comprised of fire resistant material and/or the bullet proof material, such as Kevlar®, carbonite boron, or other composite material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vest assembly having an antenna disposed within a vest body;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a vest assembly having an alternative antenna disposed within the vest body;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway plan view showing the vest body and associated exemplary communication components;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway plan view showing a thermoelectric transducer assembly disposed within or on the vest body;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway plan view showing an alternate thermoelectric transducer assembly disposed within or on an inner garment adjacent the vest body;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway plan view showing a thermoelectric transducer assembly disposed within or on an inner layer of the vest body;

FIG. 6 is a cutaway plan view showing thermo-responsive pads disposed in heat transfer relation with the wearer;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing engagement between the flex circuit and a connector port;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view showing engagement of the flex circuit and a connector port;

FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic showing the interconnectivity between a thermoelectric transducer, a voltage regulator circuit, and a rechargeable power supply; and

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a thermoelectric transducer in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is shown a vest assembly 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vest assembly 10 includes communication components that may be connected to or disposed within an article of clothing, such as a vest body 12, to allow the wearer to communicate with a remote transceiver 36. In this manner, various aspects of the invention simplify communication between a wearer and the remote transceiver 36 without unduly endangering the wearer.

Referring now to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A and 2, the vest assembly 10 includes a vest body 12 disposed on a wearer (shown in phantom). However, it is understood that, in its broader aspects, the vest assembly 10 may be incorporated into any article of clothing, including, but not limited to, jackets, shirts, etc., which may be worn by security personnel to enable communication between the security teams.

The vest body 12 shown in FIG. 1 includes a vest outer layer 14. The vest outer layer 14 may be comprised of a woven fabric material, a fluid-impermeable material, a fire-resistant material, or other materials that may be desirable. Furthermore, the vest outer layer 14 may include a color scheme, such as camouflage, as desired by a wearer.

The vest body 12 preferably includes a bullet protection layer 68. In one embodiment, the bullet protection layer 68 is disposed between the outer layer 14 and the inner layer 20. The bullet protection layer 68 is configured to mitigate bullet penetration through the vest body 12. The bullet protection layer 68 may be constructed out of Kevlar®, carbonite boron, thermal composite material or other bullet resistant materials known by those skilled in the art. It is contemplated that an individual who is located in a hostile environment, for example, a police officer, soldier, medical personnel, or media members may wear the vest body 12 with the bullet protection layer 68. In another embodiment of the invention, the bullet protection layer 68 may be disposed intermediate the inner layer 20 and the wearer. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the bullet protection layer may be detachably connectable to the vest and may be not be used in environments where bullet protection is unnecessary.

In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 antenna 11 is in electrical communication with an external communications device, such as a backpack radio 13. However, antenna 11 may be disposed within the vest body 12, to avoid the need for an external antenna which might otherwise extend above the body of the wearer, and identify the wearer as a radio operator. As described below, the antenna 11 may be used in conjunction with communication components integrated within the vest body 12. FIG. 1A illustrates an antenna 11A having an alternate construction from that of antenna 11 shown at FIG. 1. Where an external communication device is used, the antenna 11 may be connected to an output port 15, which is plug connectable to an external communication device, such as backpack radio 13.

As shown at FIG. 2, the vest body 12 further includes an inner layer 20. It is contemplated that the inner layer may be comprised of a woven fabric material, a fire resistant material, or other materials that may be desirable. The inner layer 20 may be worn adjacent the body portion, in heat transfer relation therewith.

As shown at FIGS. 3 and 4, a transducer assembly 100 may be disposed in, or adjacent to, the inner layer 20. However it is contemplated that in other embodiments of, such as those shown at FIG. 5 the transducer assembly may be disposed on a separate undershirt or other inner garment 16 worn underneath the vest body 12.

As shown at FIGS. 3-6, the vest assembly 10 may further include a rechargeable internal power supply 90 connected to or disposed within the vest body 12. It is contemplated that the rechargeable internal power supply 90 be sized and configured to meet the energy demands of equipment incorporated into or otherwise used with the vest. It is contemplated that the internal power supply 90 be configured such that it is capable of being recharged from more than one energy source. It is understood that the internal power supply 90 may be implemented as one unit or may be comprised of several units. It is also understood that the internal power supply 90 may be disposed outside the vest.

As also shown at FIGS. 3, 4, the vest body 12 may include a thermoelectric transducer assembly 100. The thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may include at least one flexible thermoelectric transducer 101, operable to convert the heat generated by the wearer, or the heat generated from another source, into electrical energy. It is contemplated that the electrical energy generated by the transducer assembly 101, i.e. a recharging current generated in response to the wearer's body heat, will be useful to recharge the internal power supply 90.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, thermoelectric transducers 101 may each consist of p-type and n-type semiconductors. These p-type and n-type semiconductors form thermocouples when joined by conductors. Several thermocouples or other thermoelectric devices may be connected in series or in parallel to form the thermoelectric transducer. The thermoelectric material used to form a transducer may be bismuth telluride, polarized graphite or any other material that generates electricity in response to exposure to a temperature differential, e.g., utilizing the Seebeck effect.

In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be disposed within the vest body 12, intermediate the bullet protection layer 68 and the inner layer 20. In this configuration the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 is positioned to generate an electric current from the heat flux generated by the wearer, communicated through the inner layer 20. One alternate method of positioning the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 close to the wearer's body is by interweaving a plurality of thermoelectric transducers throughout the inner layer 20 as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0025774, by Plissonnier et al. and entitled Thermoelectric Means and Fabric-Type Structure Incorporating Such a Means, the contents of which are incorporated here by reference. The plurality of thermoelectric assembly 100 may be constructed of a flexible material including a plurality of the flexible thermoelectric transducers and may be integrated into the woven structure of the fabric, as seen in FIG. 4.

In other embodiments it is contemplated that the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may alternately be located on a separate inner garment, e.g., an undershirt worn directly over the wearer's body. In another embodiment, the transducer assembly includes transducers directly connected to the user's body, to optimize heat transfer and electric current generation.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment wherein at least a portion of the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 is incorporated into inner garment 16 worn adjacent the wearer's body. It is understood that the inner garment 16 may be any article of clothing, including, but not limited to, a jacket, a shirt, pants or shorts, worn beneath the vest body 12. In another embodiment, the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be interwoven into the fabric of the inner garment 16, or vest body 12, as described above. It is understood that the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100, whether or not integrated into inner garment 16, the vest body 12, or directly connected to the body of the wearer, may be flexibly formed and detachably connectable (e.g. plug connectable) to the power supply 90.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 is implemented as one or more flexible thermo-responsive grids or pads 18 having at least one thermoelectric transducer disposed within. It is contemplated that the thermo-responsive pad 18 may be detachably secured to the body of the wearer, or otherwise in heat transfer relation with a body portion of the wearer. The thermo-responsive pad 18 may be attached to the wearer with an adhesive. It an alternative embodiment the thermo-responsive pad 18 may be attached to wearer by suction cups or any other means in which the thermo-responsive pad 18 may be securely attached to and readily removed from the body portion of the wearer.

The transducer assembly 100 is operable to generate a power supply recharging current, or output signal, in response to the wearer's body heat. It is further understood that the recharging current or output signal may be used to charge the internal power supply 90, and/or to provide power the communication components or other devices disposed in or associated with the vest. It is also understood that in other embodiments, some combination of the thermoelectric transducer assembly configurations described above, may be used. It is also understood that the transducers and other components of the transducer assembly 100 may be plug connectable to the power supply 90 and/or other communication components disposed within the vest body 12.

As shown at FIG. 2, communication components include a receiver 74, operative to receive signals from a remote transceiver 36. The communication components may also include an output circuit 34, operative to transmit an output signal to a remote transceiver 36. It is understood that receiver 74 and output circuit 34 may be in communication with a common remote transceiver 36 or alternatively, the receiver 74 and output circuit 34 may be in communication with different remote devices. In this regard, two-way communication between the wearer and the remote transceiver 36 or between two different wearers may also be achieved.

It is contemplated that the communication components may further include a decryption device 80 for decrypting voice or data signals received by the vest assembly 10 from the remote transceiver 36. The decryption device 80 may be in electrical communication with the receiver 74 such that the input signal received by the receiver 74 may be electrically communicated to and decrypted by the decryption device 80.

In one embodiment of the invention it is contemplated that the communication components may include a speaker 76 and a display 78. It is contemplated that the decryption device 80 be in electrical communication with the speaker 76 and display 78. It is further contemplated that the speaker 76 is operative to receive and broadcast an audio signal representative of a received audio signal. Similarly it is contemplated that the display 78 is operative to receive and display a visual signal representative of a decrypted text input signal. In one embodiment, the speaker 76 and display 78 may be surface mounted to the exterior of the vest body 12, substantially flush with the outer layer 14. Alternatively, the receiver 34 or decryption device 80, may be connectable to an external output component, such as an earpiece, for communicating the received audio signal to the wearer. For instance, a soldier may include earphones integrated into his helmet. As such, the earphones may be connected to the receiver 34 or decryption device 80 to transmit the input signal to the wearer. Such a connection may employ a wired or wireless technology.

In other implementations the communication components may further include a microphone 32, a keypad 30, a GPS 62, a pressure sensor 64 and a physiological sensor 66.

It is contemplated that different ways to enter data into the communication system may be more convenient under different circumstances. For instance, if the vest assembly 10 is being worn by a fire fighter holding a fire hose, the wearer may not be able to manually enter data. However, the fire fighter may want to communicate with a central dispatch to provide information as to the status of the fire, or whether additional help is needed. Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention the vest body 12 may include a microphone 32 operative to generate an audio output signal. The microphone 32 may be may be voice-activated to automatically turn on in response to the wearer entering verbal data. It is contemplated that the microphone 32 be disposed substantially flush with the vest outer layer 14 and may be mounted near the top of the vest body 12, near the wearer's mouth.

Although verbal communications may be preferred in some circumstances, manually entered data may be preferred under alternate conditions. For instance, the wearer may be a soldier quietly conducting a search of enemy territory. Any noise may alert the enemy of the soldier's position. Therefore, one embodiment of the invention includes a communication component configured to allow the wearer to manually enter data into the communication system, such as a keypad 30, touch-screen, or other manual interface means. The keypad 30 may be operative to generate a keypad output signal upon in response to wearer interaction. The keypad 30 may be conveniently positioned on the vest body 12, substantially flush with the vest outer layer 14, to enable a wearer to manually enter data therein. The keypad 30 may simply include basic input options, such as a button that may be pressed to indicate the wearer needs help, or that a mission has been accomplished. In other embodiments, the keypad 30 may be more complex to enable more detailed communication.

Although several embodiments of communication components may be configured to receive manual and/or verbal input from a wearer, other embodiments are configured and/or to generate an output signal independent of any activity by the wearer. For instance, GPS device 62 may be disposed within the vest body 12 and configured to generate a GPS output signal including the wearer's location. It is intended that the GPS output signal may be generated at set intervals, or may be generated by request from a remote transceiver. It is intended that personnel monitoring the wearer may track the position of the wearer in real-time by receiving the GPS output signal.

Another communication component by which a signal may be generated independent of any activity by the wearer is a pressure sensor 64, operative to monitor pressure applied to the vest assembly 10. The pressure sensors 64 may be disposed within the vest body 12 and may be operable to detect the impact of a bullet or shrapnel against the vest assembly 10. In response to detection of a bullet or shrapnel against the vest assembly, a pressure sensor output signal will be generated. That output signal may be communicated to a remote monitoring station, independent of wearer input, to alert the monitors of the wearer's condition. It is contemplated that signals from all communication components capable of gathering data independent of entry by wearer may be communicated to a monitoring station at the time an impact from a bullet or shrapnel is detected by the pressure sensor 64. The pressure sensors 64 may be disposed within the vest body 12, in the front, back, and/or side of the vest assembly in order to sufficiently detect impact by a foreign object, such as a bullet.

Additionally, another communication component in which a signal may be generated independent of any activity by the wearer is a physiological sensor 66, useful for monitoring the physiological condition of the wearer. The physiological sensor 66 may monitor the wearer's body temperature, heart rate and other physiological conditions and may generate a physiological sensor output signal in response to the monitored conditions. In this manner, the physiological sensors 66 may be operatively linked to the wearer such that the physiological sensor is disposable adjacent or connectable to the wearer. It is contemplated the physiological sensor output signal may be generated at set intervals, or may be generated at the request of a monitoring station.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated that the vest body 12 further includes an encryption device 48. It may be desirable to encrypt the signals before they are communicated to the remote transceiver 36. For instance, various military applications may require encryption to mitigate reception of the communication by enemy forces. To this end, the encryption device 48 may be configured such that it is in electrical communication with the microphone 32, the keypad 30, the GPS 62, the pressure sensor 64 and/or the physiological sensor 66. It is further contemplated that the encryption device 48 be operable to generate an encryption device output signal in response to receipt of at least one of the microphone audio output signal, the keypad output signal, the GPS output signal, the pressure sensor output signal and the physiological sensor output signal.

It is contemplated that the encryption device 48 may be in electrical communication with output circuit 34 remote transceiver. In this manner it is contemplated that communication components such as the microphone 32, the keypad 30, the GPS 62, the pressure sensor 64 and the physiological sensor 66 may be encrypted, and communicated to a remote transceiver 36 at a monitoring station. It is alternatively understood that an output signal from one or more of the communication components may be in direct communication with the output circuit 34, the output signal being sent directly to the remote transceiver 36 without being encrypted. Similarly, it is understood that the receiver 74 may communicate input signals received from the remote transceiver 36 directly to communication components without first being decrypted by the decryption device 80. It is also understood that communication components not now known or not enumerated herein may be integrated into the vest body 12 in a similar manner as described above.

The output circuit 34 may include various components readily employed for signal transmission, such as amplifiers, signal converters. It is further contemplated that the output circuit 34 may employ various wireless signal communication technologies known by those skilled in the art, including but not limited to, RF signals, Bluetooth®, infrared signals, and the like. In one particular embodiment, the output circuit 34 is a radio system capable of transmitting the information via radio frequency signals. The radio system may be configured to transmit the signals over a broad range of radio frequencies. In another embodiment, the output circuit 34 utilizes cell phone networks to transmit data to the remote transceiver 36. In this manner, the output circuit 34 may transmit the output signal directly to the cell phone network.

According to one particular implementation, the receiver 74 and the output circuit 34 are connectable to various external communication components to facilitate communication between the wearer and the remote location. For example, the vest 12 may be connectable to communication component, such as full-sized keyboard to enable more detailed data to be communicated to the remote transceiver 36. Alternatively, the external communication component may include an audio or video recorder that may be connected to the output circuit 34 to enable communication of audio and video data. Likewise, the output circuit 34 may include an output port connectable to an output circuit element such as a radio, amplifier, cell phone, or other communication element configured to transmit the signal to the remote transceiver 36. It is also contemplated that the communication component may be in electrical communication with the encryption device 48 prior to communication to the output circuit 34.

The vest assembly 10 may also include a signal alarm for alerting the wearer when communication between the output circuit 34 and the remote transceiver 36 is lost. For instance, it is contemplated that communication between the output circuit 34 and the remote transceiver 36 will be short-range communication. Therefore, the signal alarm alerts the wearer when the wearer has traversed beyond the communication range between the output circuit 34 and the remote transceiver 36. The signal alarm may transmit an audio signal or a visual signal (e.g., a light) for alerting the wearer of the loss of communication.

According to one embodiment, communication between the communication components and the receiver 74 and output circuit 34 is achieved by way of flex circuitry 40, which may be implemented as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The flex circuitry 40 may be disposed within the vest body 12 and provides a flexible, yet durable communication pathway and facilitates displacement between the communication components in response to movement of the wearer. More specifically, in one embodiment the pressure sensor 64, the keypad 30, the microphone 32, the GPS device 63 and the physiological sensor 66 are connected to the encryption device 48 by flex circuitry 40, and similarly the encryption device 48 may be connected to the output circuit 34 by flex circuitry 40. Additionally, the speaker 76 and the display 30 may be connected to the decryption device 80 by flex circuitry and the decryption device 80 may be connected to the receiver 74 by flex circuitry 40.

According to one embodiment, the flex circuitry 40 includes a plurality of conductive strips 52 arranged in fixed, parallel, spaced apart relationship with each other. Each of the respective conductive strips 52 terminates in a flex contact pad 53 located at a circuit connection portion 42. Each flex contact pad 53 may include an outwardly projecting circuit connection protrusion for facilitating engagement with an external communication component. The flex circuitry 40 may also include an insulative covering layer 54 to electrically insulate the plurality of conductive strips 52. The covering layer 54 may include a plurality of apertures through which the circuit connection protrusions extend through. In one embodiment, the insulative covering layer 54 is constructed out of a suitable insulating material, such as plastic or plastic-like material, and is transparent or translucent so as to expose the plurality of conductive strips 52 for visual observation and view.

According to various aspects of the present invention, and referring now to FIG. 8, the antenna 11 and/or the communication components may be connected to a respective flexible contact substrate 28. The flexible contact substrate 28 may include a printed circuit board, or other planar surface. Each flexible contact substrate 28 includes an input connection element 26 for engagement with the flex circuitry 40. As shown, the input connection element 26 includes a plurality of substrate contact pads 57 aligned in a parallel array. The plurality of substrate contact pads 57 are in electrical communication with the communication components connected to the flexible contact substrate 28. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each substrate contact pad 57 is connected to a substrate lead 22. It is contemplated that the flex contact pads 53 mate with, and are in alignment with, the plurality of substrate contact pads 57 to facilitate communication between the communication components and the flex circuitry 40. In this manner, the spacing between adjacent ones of the substrate contact pads 57 may correspond to the spacing between adjacent ones of the flex contact pads 53.

The engagement between the substrate contact pads 57 and the flex contact pads 53 may be achieve solely by pressure. In this manner, solder may not be required to engage the flex circuitry 40 with the flexible contact substrate 28. Rather, the flex circuitry 40 may simply be pressed against the flexible contact substrate 28 for engagement therewith. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a pressure distribution element 56 is disposed between a biasing element 50 and the flex circuitry 40. The biasing element 50 is configured to apply pressure to the pressure distribution element 56 which distributes the pressure to the flex circuitry 40. In this manner, the flex circuitry 40 engages with the flexible contact substrate 28.

The flexible contact substrate 28 may include a substrate alignment element 38 to assist alignment between the substrate contact pads 57 and the flex contact pads 53. Likewise, the flex circuitry 40 may include a flex alignment element 44 being engageable with the substrate alignment element 38 for properly aligning the flex circuitry 40 with the flexible contact substrate 28. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the substrate alignment element 38 includes a pair of threaded posts, while the flex alignment element 44 includes a pair of holes. The posts may be received within the holes to align the substrate contact pads 57 with the flex contact pads 53. A securement element 60 may be engaged with the substrate alignment element 38 to secure the flex circuitry 40 to the flexible contact substrate 28. In addition, the pressure distribution element 56 and biasing element 50 includes a pressure distribution alignment element 58 and a biasing alignment element 51, respectively, for alignment with the flex circuitry 40.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the substrate contact pads 57 are not flat as previously described and illustrated. Rather, the substrate contact pads 57 are raised and include a shaped receptacle or recess for insertably receiving the flex contact pad 53. The raised substrate contact pads 57 may be frusto-conical in configuration and the recess shape may also be conical so as to be conformal therewith. Conformance in the shape aids in alignment and insertion during assembly and also insures a tight fit without gaps or spaces which might otherwise permit looseness and unwanted disconnection or separation.

As previously mentioned, several embodiments include engagement between the flex circuitry 40 and the communication components independent of a soldered joint. Soldering typically increases the assembly cost and is very labor intensive. In addition, a soldered connection is liable to disconnect or separate when subject to multiple temperature changes, or shock and vibration. Furthermore, the interconnection of the present invention may allow for easier disassembly which may be desirable for purposes of replacement. For a more detailed description of the connection between the flex circuitry 40 and the flexible contact substrate 28, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,878 entitled Pressure Point Contact for Flexible Cable, issued to Balzano, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

According to one embodiment, the flex circuitry 40 is folded or contoured into the inner layers of the bullet resistant vest so as to preserve signal integrity and to secure high reliability. It may be desirable to dispose the flex circuitry 40 behind the bullet protection layer 68 in order to protect the flex circuitry 40. The flex circuitry 40 is disposed between the bullet protection layer 68 and the vest inner layer 20. Therefore, the bullet protection layer 68 also protects the flex circuitry 40 from being damaged by oncoming bullets. However, it is understood that the flex circuitry 40 may be disposed on the outside of the bullet protection layer 68 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the transducer assembly 100 and the rechargeable internal power supply 90 are in electrical communication with the communication components 104. More specifically, the transducer assembly 101 and/or the internal power supply may be in electrical communication with one or more of the receiver 74, the decryption device 80, the speaker 76, the display 78, the GPS 62, the pressure sensor 64, the physiological sensor 66, the microphone 32, the keypad 30, the encryption device 48 and the circuit output 34. It is understood that the communication components not enumerated herein but known to one of ordinary skill in the art may also be in electrical communication with the internal power supply.

As shown at FIG. 9, it is contemplated that the thermoelectric transducers comprising the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be in electrical communication with the internal power supply 90 and the electricity generated by the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be used to recharge the internal power supply 90, which in turn powers the communication components 104.

As stated above it is contemplated that the internal power supply 90 may be charged by several different energy sources. For example, it is contemplated that the vest assembly 10 may be connectable to an external power supply. In this manner it is contemplated that the external power supply may charge the internal power supply 90. In one embodiment, the external power supply may be an AC current from a wall outlet. The external power supply may provide the internal power supply 90 with a full charge, and as the charge depletes from the internal power supply 90, the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may recharge the internal power supply 90 to prolong the operation of the communication components. It is contemplated that the internal power supply 90 may be a long life battery, such as a lithium ion battery. However, it is understood that the internal power supply may take any form in which electrical energy may be stored and recharged.

In a preferred embodiment, thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may further include a voltage regulator circuit 102, as seen in FIG. 9. It is contemplated that the voltage regulator circuit 102 may be in electrical communication with the at least one thermoelectric transducer 101, the communication components 104 and the internal power supply 90. It is further contemplated that the voltage regulator circuit 102 may include a voltage regulator and a converter. It is understood that the voltage regulator may be operable to maintain a constant voltage level. It is also contemplated that the voltage regulator may provide low resistance in one direction and high resistance in the other, allowing electrical current to flow in only one direction. It is further understood that a converter may be used to step up or step down voltage. In this manner the voltage regulator circuit may be operative to condition the transducer assembly recharging output signal to meet the particular requirements of recharging the internal power supply 90 or powering the various communication components.

The vest body 12 may be comprised of fire resistant material. In this manner, those who are exposed to the threat of fire may employ the use of the vest assembly 10 to enable integrated communications within a piece of protective clothing.

It is contemplated that the communication components 104 are meant to also include one or more of the receiver 74, the decryption device 80, the speaker 76, the display 78, the GPS 62, the pressure sensor 64, the physiological sensor 66, the microphone 32, the keypad 30, the encryption device 48 and the circuit output 34. It is to be understood that the communication components may be integrated and distributed throughout the vest and are connected with flex circuitry 40. It is further contemplated that communication components not enumerated herein, or not now known may also be incorporated in the vest assembly 10 in a similar manner.

FIG. 10 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a thermoelectric transducer 101. The exemplary transducer includes a core 103 which may be formed of semiconductor materials, such as polarized graphite composite including a bismuth telluride material. The core 103 is sandwiched between a hot plate or primary side 107 and a cold plate or a secondary side 109. Connectors 111, 113 are connected to the primary side and the secondary side respectively. The connectors 111, 113 may be serially connected to connectors on adjacent transducers to enhance the collective output of the transducer assembly 100.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vest assembly for use by a wearer, the vest assembly comprising: a) a vest body; b) a plurality of communication components connected to the vest body; c) a rechargeable power supply connected to the vest body; and d) a thermoelectric transducer assembly connected to the vest body, the transducer assembly including at least one thermoelectric transducer for converting thermal energy generated by the wearer into an electrical output signal, the thermoelectric transducer assembly being in electrical communication with at least one of the power supply and the communication components.
 2. The vest assembly of claim 1 wherein the transducer output signal is in electrical communication with the power supply, and operative to recharge the rechargeable power supply.
 3. The vest assembly of claim 1 wherein the thermoelectric transducer is in electrical communication with at least one of the communication components, and operative to provide electrical power thereto.
 4. The vest assembly of claim 2 wherein the rechargeable power supply is disposed within the vest body.
 5. The vest assembly of claim 1 wherein the communication components are disposed within the vest body.
 6. The vest assembly of claim 4 further comprising an antenna connected to the vest body and in electrical communication with the plurality of communication components.
 7. The vest assembly of claim 6 wherein the antenna is disposed within the vest body.
 8. The vest assembly of claim 7 wherein the thermoelectric transducer assembly is disposed within the vest body.
 9. The vest assembly of claim 1 wherein the thermoelectric transducer assembly includes a plurality of flexible thermoelectric transducers interwoven throughout the vest body.
 10. The vest assembly of claim 1 further including an inner garment disposed intermediate the vest body and the user, wherein the at least one thermoelectric transducer is connected to the inner garment.
 11. The vest assembly of claim 5 further including an antenna, connected to the vest body and in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of communication components.
 12. The vest assembly of claim 6 wherein the antenna is disposed within the vest body.
 13. The vest assembly of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the thermoelectric transducer assembly is plug connectable to the rechargeable power supply.
 14. The vest assembly of claim 1 wherein the thermoelectric transducer includes at least one thermo-responsive pad disposed in heat transfer relation with a body portion of the wearer.
 15. The vest assembly of claim 14 wherein the thermo-responsive pad generates a pad output signal in response to the wearer's body heat, the pad output signal being operative to recharge the rechargeable power supply.
 16. The vest assembly of claim 14 wherein the thermo-responsive pad generates a pad output signal in response to the wearer's body heat, the pad output signal being operative to provide power to at least one of the communication components.
 17. The vest assembly of claim 2 wherein the transducer assembly further comprises a voltage regulating circuit in electrical communication with the at least one thermoelectric transducer and the internal power supply, the voltage regulator circuit being operative to condition the transducer output signal to facilitate recharging of the power supply.
 18. The vest assembly of claim 5 the plurality of communication components includes a pressure sensor connected to the vest body for detecting pressure applied to the vest body and generating a pressure sensor output signal in response thereto, the pressure sensor output signal being generated independent of any input by the wearer.
 19. The vest assembly of claim 5 wherein the plurality of communication components includes a physiological sensor connectable to the wearer, the physiological sensor being operative to generate a physiological sensor output, signal representative of a physiological condition of the wearer, independent of any input by the wearer.
 20. The vest assembly of claim 8 further comprising flex circuitry disposed within the vest body for providing electrical communication between the power supply and the plurality of communication components, the flex circuitry including a plurality of conductive paths disposed on a flexible substrate.
 21. The vest assembly of claim 20 wherein the flex circuitry is bendable in response to movement of the wearer.
 22. The vest assembly of claim 8 further comprising a bullet protection layer disposed within the vest body and configured to mitigate bullet penetration through the vest body.
 23. A vest assembly for use by a wearer, the vest assembly comprising: a) a vest body; b) a plurality of communication components connected to the vest body; and c) an antenna connected to the vest body and in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of communication components.
 24. The vest assembly of claim 23 further comprising a rechargeable power supply disposed within the vest body.
 25. The vest assembly of claim 23 wherein the communication components are disposed within the vest body.
 26. The vest assembly of claim 25 wherein the antenna is disposed within the vest body.
 27. The vest assembly of claim 23 wherein the antenna is disposed within the vest body.
 28. The vest assembly of claim 26 the plurality of communication components includes a pressure sensor connected to the vest body for detecting pressure applied to the vest body and generating a pressure sensor output signal in response thereto, the pressure sensor output signal being generated independent of any input by the wearer.
 29. The vest assembly of claim 26 wherein the plurality of communication components includes a physiological sensor connectable to the wearer, the physiological sensor being operative to generate a physiological sensor output, signal representative of a physiological condition of the wearer, independent of any input by the wearer.
 30. The vest assembly of claim 28 further comprising flex circuitry disposed within the vest body for providing electrical communication between the power supply and the plurality of communication components, the flex circuitry including a plurality of conductive paths disposed on a flexible substrate.
 31. The vest assembly of claim 30 wherein the flex circuitry is bendable in response to movement of the wearer.
 32. The vest assembly of claim 26 further comprising a bullet protection layer disposed within the vest body and configured to mitigate bullet penetration through the vest body. 